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Using A Balloon Lets You Take Better Pop-Up Flash Photos, And The Difference Is Amazing
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DIY, Photography

Using A Balloon Lets You Take Better Pop-Up Flash Photos, And The Difference Is Amazing

Rokas Laurinavičius
BoredPanda staff
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When external flash units cost up to $900 it’s no wonder why people come up with incredible DIY solutions. Russian photographer duo “Koldunov Brothers” have just demonstrated how a simple balloon can greatly improve your photos.

The trick is to hold the balloon against a built-in flash light. It acts as a diffuser and smoothens out any harsh beams. You can even use different color balloons to experiment with different tones of light. The best part? The cost of this awesome hack is practically $0. This Russian duo is constantly uploading useful photography-orientated content, so check out their channel if you’re looking for more tips.

More info: YouTube | Instagram (h/t: petapixel)

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    Rokas Laurinavičius

    Rokas Laurinavičius

    Author, BoredPanda staff

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    Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

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    Rokas Laurinavičius

    Rokas Laurinavičius

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

    Read less »
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    carobcannon avatar
    Veronique Anketier
    Veronique Anketier
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a great idea. I'm almost tempted to carry a white balloon next time I've got to renew my passport!

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    atlantike avatar
    Arty
    Arty
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice idea :) I have try to hide some of the excess of light coming from my built-in flash...but I also realised the heat it emits when flashing. Will the balloon not "burn" or explode?

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    heather_cox_1 avatar
    Heather Cox
    Heather Cox
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    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does it have to be a white balloon

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    stefan7q7 avatar
    Michał Namysł
    Michał Namysł
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, unless you need the flash to be in different colour. Light overtakes colours from objects that it's bouncing from.. (sorry for not the greatest grammar).

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    bigtrav261 avatar
    Trav May
    Trav May
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    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A styrofoam cup or hot dog take-out container works better.

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    carobcannon avatar
    Veronique Anketier
    Veronique Anketier
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a great idea. I'm almost tempted to carry a white balloon next time I've got to renew my passport!

    Vote comment up
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    atlantike avatar
    Arty
    Arty
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice idea :) I have try to hide some of the excess of light coming from my built-in flash...but I also realised the heat it emits when flashing. Will the balloon not "burn" or explode?

    Vote comment up
    2
    2points
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    heather_cox_1 avatar
    Heather Cox
    Heather Cox
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does it have to be a white balloon

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    stefan7q7 avatar
    Michał Namysł
    Michał Namysł
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, unless you need the flash to be in different colour. Light overtakes colours from objects that it's bouncing from.. (sorry for not the greatest grammar).

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    bigtrav261 avatar
    Trav May
    Trav May
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A styrofoam cup or hot dog take-out container works better.

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